A graduate of Glasgow University, Alison Hughes spent three years with Mumm Champagne in Reims before moving to London where she worked as an in-house translator for United Distillers (now Diageo). She embarked on a freelance career in 1997, becoming a qualified member of ITI in 2001. Alison translates from French to English, working mainly for the creative industries. She is coordinator for the ITI Media, Arts & Tourism network and actively involved in the Scottish Network.